1. Preheat oven to moderate (350-degrees). Line thirty medium-sized muffin pan cups with paper cupcake liners.
2. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl; make a hollow in center; place milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla in hollow. Beat with electric mixer on slow speed until blended, scraping down sides of bowl. Beat at high speed four minutes, scraping down sides of bowl.
3. Spoon scant 1/4 cup butter into each cup.
4. Bake in preheated moderate oven (350 degrees) for 25 to 30 minutes or until cake tester insered to center comes out clean. Remove cupcakes to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Prepare Buttercream Frosting.
6. Frost cupcakes, top with candy.
Buttercream Frosting: Beat 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened unsalted butter in medium size bowl with electric mixer until fluffy. Mix in 6 cups sifted 10X (confectioners') sugar alternately with about 1/4 cup milk and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint flavoring until smooth and a good spreading consistency.